Thomas Austin Storrs
It is with profound sadness that his family announces the passing of Thomas Austin Storrs, a beloved husband, father, and friend to many, departed this life on January 13, 2025. Born October 5, 1933, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Tom was the fifth Thomas Storrs in a family line that traced its roots to early 1600s New England, when his ancestors first set foot in what would become America. He carried that legacy with humility, resilience, and an indomitable spirit.
Tom was the son of John Whitmore Storrs and Catherine Wagner Storrs. His life was marked early by a test of strength and resolve when, at age 13, a misfire of his brother’s World War II-issued firearm left him with a significant injury. It delayed his graduation by a year, but not his determination. At Berkshire Academy, Tom excelled as a leader and athlete, captaining the football, basketball, and baseball teams while serving as his class president. He graduated at 19 with a hard-earned perspective that shaped the rest of his life.
Tom was accepted to Trinity College and Stanford University but deferred his studies to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Stationed in Okinawa, Japan, he served 21 months and eight days, fulfilling his duty with quiet dignity. Upon his return, he enrolled at Brown University, but his entrepreneurial spirit soon pulled him toward opportunities far beyond the classroom.
His ventures carried him across the country to Oregon and then to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, where he managed one of the first Boston Whaler dealerships in the 1950s. These experiences deepened his connection to the water, but it was the mountains that eventually called him north to Vermont. There, Tom established himself as a builder — not just of structures, but of community.
In Vermont, Tom founded a construction company with Steve Phillips and, with another business partner James Connelly, created The Blue Tooth, an après-ski bar that Ski Magazine would later recognize as one of the best in the country. Designed by his brother John, a Yale-trained architect, The Blue Tooth became a hub for camaraderie and connection. Later, Tom continued this legacy with The Den, a beloved gathering spot where friendships thrived. Whether managing operations, stepping in to wash dishes, or simply offering a warm smile, Tom’s leadership was always grounded in humility. And of course, along with the steadfast dedication of Bobby, John, Roe, Valerie, Cooper, Donna, and Marty (and many more!)
While building businesses, Tom also built a family. He married Janice and together they raised their son, Max, in their home on Roxbury Mountain. In 1988, tired of Vermont’s long winters, Tom moved his family to Southern Pines, North Carolina. There, he found joy on the golf course, a passion he cherished, while Janice embraced the equestrian lifestyle. Southern Pines became a sanctuary, offering warmth and fulfillment for the rest of their days.
Tom’s life was defined by quiet strength, steadfast generosity, and an enduring sense of responsibility to his friends and family. He was a man who led by example, who showed up when it mattered most, and who made everyone around him feel valued. He is survived by his wife, Janice, his son, Max, and countless friends and family members who hold his memory dear.
A celebration of Tom’s remarkable life will be held this summer in Vermont. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the World Central Kitchen https://www.worldcentralkitchen.org/donate.
Tom Storrs lived a life of purpose, connection, and love. Rest in peace, Tom. Your legacy endures.
